Miami, Fla. – The Miami Heat announced Sunday that veteran guard Klay Thompson cleared waivers and finalized a two‑year contract worth roughly $11.5 million. The second year of the deal is at Thompson’s option, giving the 36‑year‑old a chance to extend his tenure with the franchise.
Why the Heat pursued Thompson
Thompson, the NBA’s fourth‑all‑time leader in three‑pointers, brings a proven scoring threat that complements the Heat’s recent roster moves. The team added Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this summer, sending Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakučionis to the Bucks. Adding a high‑volume shooter helps balance the inside presence of Antetokounmpo and the defensive anchor Bam Adebayo.
Heat President Pat Riley praised Thompson, calling him “one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA” and noting his four‑time championship experience. Riley added that Thompson’s skill set extends beyond shooting, describing him as an “all‑around player at both ends of the court.”
Thompson’s credentials
Thompson’s career three‑point shooting percentage sits at 41 percent, and he has recorded more than 200 made threes in a season eleven times. For context, the Heat have had a player reach that mark only seven times in franchise history. Thompson’s résumé includes five NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, five All‑Star selections, and the league record of 14 three‑pointers in a single game. He is currently 74 three‑pointers shy of passing Ray Allen for third place on the NBA’s all‑time list.
Beyond the court, Thompson’s personal interests align with Miami’s coastal lifestyle. He has spoken publicly about his love of boating and his Bahamian heritage, a short flight from Miami and a community with a sizable Heat fan base.
Recent moves leading to the signing
Thompson’s path to Miami began with a sign‑and‑trade that sent him from the Golden State Warriors to the Dallas Mavericks two years ago. The Mavericks hoped to pair his shooting with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but the trio never materialized as expected. Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, Irving suffered an ACL tear, and Anthony Davis—acquired in a separate deal—was later moved to the Washington Wizards.
After a brief stint with Dallas, Thompson and the Mavericks agreed to a contract buyout on Friday, ending his two‑year tenure there. The buyout cleared the way for his move to Miami, where he will join a roster aiming for another championship run.
Looking ahead
With Thompson added to a roster that already features Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and a newly signed Tim Hardaway Jr., the Heat have bolstered both perimeter shooting and interior defense. The team’s front office believes the combination of veteran leadership and elite talent positions Miami as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
Thompson’s contract includes a player option for the second year, giving him flexibility to assess his fit with the Heat after the 2026‑27 season. Fans can expect to see him in the Heat’s orange and black uniforms at the FTX Arena, located on the edge of Biscayne Bay, as the team prepares for the upcoming NBA season.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
